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The 100 Black Men of Selma hosted an Economic Empowerment Barbershop Talk at Pratt City Barbershop.

State Senator Robert Stewart and Sharon Dooley public affairs specialist with U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience led the discussion.

Stewart said it was important to have the event and uplift the community.

“Events like this show our community at work,” Stewart said. “It is an honor to meet people where they to ensure that people in our region are aware of economic empowerment opportunities that exist.”

Stewart also said that he appreciated Pratt City Barbershop and Dooley for their assistance.

“Thanks to Pratt City Barbershop for providing a platform and to Ms. Sharon Dooley of the Small Business Administration for her continued engagement,” Stewart said.

Dooley said Stewart invited her to speak at the event and she appreciated the opportunity to participate.

“SBA participated in an event of paramount significance, in conjunction with the unwavering support of Senator Robert Stewart, and joined forces with the esteemed organization, 100 Black Men of Selma,” Dooley said. “This collaborative effort converged around a shared mission to address the multifaceted challenges of disaster recovery head-on and pave the way for a robust long-term recovery. The event served as a platform for meaningful dialogue, strategic planning, and collective action, highlighting the pivotal role that community-driven initiatives play in driving recovery efforts forward. “

Dooley continued: “As SBA’s EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loan) disaster recovery program took center stage, the voices of the 100 Black Men of Selma echoed with resolute determination, affirming their commitment to providing mentorship for young men and fostering sustainable solutions that uplift and empower the local businesses and residents affected by the disaster. This convergence of stakeholders epitomized the convergence of vision, emphasizing the critical intersection of government, community leadership, and proactive support to forge a path toward resilience and renewal.’’